The 7 European rooftop bars with best views of iconic sites

Forget walking tours that give you sore feet and sunburns, the best way to see some of Europe’s iconic sites is by sipping champagne on a rooftop terrace. Here are some European rooftop bars with views of famous monuments like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Parthenon in Athens, so you can see the old continent in style.

1. Skyline Rooftop Bar, Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice

Having an Aperol Spritz anywhere in Venice is delightful, but doing it from the rooftop terrace of the Molino Stucky Hilton is truly amazing. The Skyline Rooftop Bar of the Hilton Molino Stucky is a short boat ride from the main island of Venice and, from there, you can sip your cocktail while watching the sunset over St Mark’s Square and the picturesque jumble of domes and spires that define Venice’s skyline.

2. O2 Lounge, Ritz-Carlton, Moscow

Along with an open-air terrace, the O2 lounge has an ultra-modern glass and steel dome you can drink and dine under so that its breathtaking views of Moscow’s most famous monuments are not limited by the weather.

Have your city tour from above while sipping a cocktail — this bar has one of the world’s most extensive vodka selection — and perhaps nibbling on some sushi made with ingredients from Tokyo’s top fish markets.

3. Terrass” Restaurant & Bar, Terrass” Hotel, Paris

You don’t need a drone to get those dreamy, misty views of the rooftops of Paris with the Eiffel Tower. Terrass” rooftop restaurant, bar, and terrace in Montmartre provides perfect views of the famous monument and the whole of Paris from above.

While the restaurant inside has the feel of a Parisian bistro, the terrace outside is more industrial chic and is dotted with plants so you feel like you’re in a modern sky-high garden.

4. Bramante Terrace bar, Hotel Raphael, Rome

From the Bramante Terrace bar, you not only get a view of the dome of St Peter’s Basilica, but also the fantastical pinnacle of Borromini’s Sant’Ivo church and, as the name of the terrace suggests, Bramante’s Cloister in the church of Santa Maria della Pace.

Once art discussions are over you can get thinking about what to order, from a classic Italian cocktail like a Bellini to lunch or dinner.

5. Atmosphere Rooftop Bar, The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna

At the Atmosphere Rooftop Bar in Vienna, you can get 360-degree views of the city’s elegant architecture, including the green copper dome of the Hofburg Palace and the spire of the cathedral of St Stephen.

This year, the bar is focusing on ‘Made in Austria’, so try a local white wine, a white wine spritzer, or their own D-scovery Gin.

7. Sense Restaurant, AthensWas Hotel, Athens

On the 7th floor of the AthensWas Hotel, Sense Restaurant is right beside the Acropolis. It’s the perfect place to sit and admire an unimpeded view of the Parthenon, particularly when it’s lit up at night. All you have to do is sit, take in the sights, and enjoy the amazing Greek cuisine offered.

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